HEALTH COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR EFFECTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

Abstract

This paper looked at the role of Health Communication for effective Health Education. The purpose of the study was to look at how communication can serve as a vital tool in carrying out effective and efficient health education to the people. In order to achieve this purpose, the following areas were reviewed They include: the communication process, types of communication, health communication skills and their effects, health communication and health education. Good health communication skills promote health education in various ways such as increase audience knowledge and awareness of health issues and influence behaviours and attitudes towards a health issue. As a result of the review, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made, among which stated that the government, the media and health providers should as part of their social responsibilities provide factual and balanced health information to the people to promote good health.